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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

It would be nice to once again have that youthful, pearly white smile. Whitening your teeth solely for looking good seems a little vain and unnecessary.

You figure the people who get their teeth whitening simply want to look good.

What if there were other benefits of teeth whitening that may not be as obvious?

Reasons:

Patients choose to get their teeth whitened for many reasons. While the most noticeable and publicized outcome is a beautiful, white smile, the reason for getting that perfect smile varies.

Why does a white smile matter?

As a society, we associate white teeth with beauty, wealth, success, youth and health. Who doesn't want those?

Unfortunately, the years of drinking coffee, tea and sodas as well as consuming sugary and acidic foods have taken away that white smile.

Some patients are insecure and ashamed of their yellow teeth. For some, their teeth are so discolored they refuse to smile. Their yellow, discolored smile takes away self-esteem and confidence which can have potentially devastating effects on one's quality of life.

These patients seek a whiter smile so they can once again enjoy life. White teeth can be the catalyst to a renewed vitality, confidence and pride that can motivate patients to live a happier, fuller and healthier life.

Other patients seek teeth whitening as a way to advance in their careers.

In the workplace, a bright, vibrant smile exudes personal hygiene, energy, youthfulness and confidence. All these attributes are necessary for a great employee and leader.

Others look to whiten their teeth because they want to look good at an upcoming event, such as a wedding or high school reunion.

A good impression is important in building up one's self-esteem and confidence.

It can provides emotional and psychological benefits to patients.

Types:

Patients get their teeth whitened for different reasons.

If you think that you can benefit from a whiter smile and that whitening is worth it, you'll have to figure out what type of system will give you the results you want.

The two main types of systems are at-home and in-office. The at-home systems can be easily done at home. The in-office treatment involves going to the dentist and having him or her professionally whiten your teeth.

Both types have pros and cons that must be considered.

At-Home Whitening

At-home kits come in either trays or strips that adhere to the front of the teeth. These kits are widely available and can be picked up at the grocery or convenience store.

At-home whitening kits are popular because of their low costs, ease of application and the ability to whiten teeth in the privacy of one's own home. These systems can be done on your schedule, which is convenient if you're a busy professional.

The downsides to at-home teeth whitening kits is that the degree of whitening is limited and the whitening that does result will not last long. Deep stains and teeth that are severely discolored will likely not get fully white.

The gums of some patients also get irritated with these at-home kits as well.

In-Office Whitening

With in-office teeth whitening, a dentist will use a higher concentration of bleaching agent that is more precisely applied, yielding more immediate, noticeable results that have less gum irritation. The whitening that happens in the dental office yields more noticeable results that also last much longer than at-home whitening.

The cons of in-office whitening, however, are the higher costs and a lack of privacy. It involves setting an appointment at the dentist, which can be inconvenient for patients with busy schedules.

While the main purpose of teeth whitening is to yield, beautiful, bright, white teeth, it goes beyond just cosmetic, but produces many psychological and emotional benefits that can lead to a better life and well-being.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Being active is an essential ingredient to great health. Yet,
some activities such as contact sports present certain health threats to
our bodies. One threat is the possibility of blunt trauma to teeth.
Since our permanent teeth are irreplaceable we should take every
precaution to protect them. Let's look at how to do so.

Keep Your Smile Safe!

To
protect your smile during a sporting activity you'll need to protect
your entire mouth. Doing so requires that your outer mouth, inner mouth,
tongue, gums, and teeth are all adequately covered during
medium-contact and high-contact sports, such as martial arts, hockey,
football, rugby and similar sports.

There are several different kinds of mouth guards available that can accomplish this. Here are the most common:

•
Boil guards - Available in small, medium and large, you buy the
appropriate size for your mouth, and boil it in water until it softens.
You bite into the softened guard to create a mold. It will harden and
protect your teeth.

• Ready-to-wear - Sold at several locations,
including sporting goods stores and larger department stores, these are
available in several sizes. Although they are inexpensive, they do not
offer complete protection because their fit is not exact.

• Custom
guards - Providing a great fit, these are made by your dentist or
orthodontist. The doctor makes a mold of your teeth, creating a guard
that is an exact fit. These are custom-made and durable, so you are
fully protected and the guard won't get knocked out of your mouth if it
is hit hard during a game.

The Dirty Secret of Mouth Guards

We
see professional athletes handle their mouth guards all the time during
a game. However, few understand what they are truly exposing themselves
to when they touch their mouth guard during competition. The prevalent
attitude is to ignore the risk and continue playing. Studies from
Oklahoma State University find the following contaminants are found on
athletic mouth guards that have been mishandled:

Regardless
of the age or size of your athlete, you need to make sure their mouth
guard is clean. If you are playing a team sport get with a coach or
trainer about supplying a mouth guard rinse and try to keep your guard
in during play. When in doubt ask your dentist or hygienist about ways you can keep your mouth guard clean.

Before
putting a guard in, and after taking it out, you should brush and
thoroughly rinse your teeth. This helps get any bacteria from your teeth
and mouth before you put your guard on. Remember, your mouth always
contains bacteria, both good and bad.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

If your teeth are damaged or poorly shaped, this is likely to
affect your smile and confidence. Such an unfortunate situation will
prevent you from experiencing life to the fullest. In order to conceal
unsightly dental flaws, scientists have invented an amazing solution
that will give you the exact look that you've always desired. A dental
crown is an artificial prosthesis, which is placed over implants or
damaged teeth in order to improve their aesthetic appeal and durability.
Below are some of the incredible advantages of getting dental crowns.

1. Concealing flaws

Dental
crowns can be made to match the color, size and shade of your natural
teeth, thereby enabling them to blend in with your unique dental
structure. For those who may want to add some extra glam to their look,
gold and silver crowns can be installed as well. Regardless of your
individual style, a dental crown is the best way to effectively conceal a
damaged or cracked tooth.

2. Fast and easy procedure

For
most people, going to the dentist is unavoidable. Not only can it be
extremely time-consuming, but it could also result in excruciating pain
during the procedure. Unlike other dental procedures, getting a crown
requires about two visits only and furthermore, the process of
installation usually takes less than an hour. As long as you find a
qualified dental expert, getting dental crowns is as easy as ABC.

3. Increasing the durability of false teeth

If
you have dentures or implants, a dental crown can greatly increase the
longevity of your artificial teeth. This is because dental crowns
provide an extra layer of protection, which aids in reducing wear and
tear. This helps your dentures to last longer and remain in good
condition. Due to the cement used when installing them, dental crowns
are also immovable thereby giving you more anchorage when chewing food.

4. Diversity in material

No
matter what your budget may be, there is a wide range of crowns, which
have been specifically designed to meet your needs and budget. Due to
the many different materials that could be used to make crowns, these
dental prosthetics have continued to increase in popularity among people
from all lifestyles. From gold to porcelain, there is a huge variety of
options for you to choose from. You can be sure that you will find the
right crown to suit your unique needs and budget.

5. Strengthening weak teeth

If
your tooth has been weakened because of severe trauma or a dental
illness, it is very important for you to seek appropriate medical
attention lest a fracture develops. In order to prevent this, your
dentist may recommend a dental crown that aids in strengthening your
tooth by providing an additional layer of covering and protection.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Smiling is contagious, and a good smile can brighten up anybody's day-including the person who's doing the smiling. Continued psychological research has shown that smiling holds a myriad of benefits for us. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of smiling.

· Smiling lifts your mood. Studies have shown that by sampling smiling, your brain increases its production of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. The result of this increased chemical production is an elevated mood. Smiling can help you feel better throughout the day. This is true even if it's forced or faked, so if you don't feel like smiling, give it a try. You're likely to feel better once you're done!

· Smiling makes you more approachable. If you struggle with self-confidence when it comes to interpersonal relationships, try some more smiling. When you grin, people find you more approachable and likeable. They even perceive you to be more confident in the things you are doing. This can benefit you in your professional and personal life.

· Smiling can improve your appearance. Smiling can actually improve the way you look! For the most part, a happy face gives you a quick, mini-facelift. When you grin, you raise every part of your face a little more, including your neck and jowls. Why spend money on plastic surgery when you can just smile? Smiling can also make you appear thinner. This is because a frown gives the impression of being weighed down.

· Can strengthen your entire body. You know that smiling can improve your mood and even help relieve some stress, but it can also strengthen your body. Smiling helps reduce the rigidness in your cell structure, which can lead to a reduction of stress-induced cell mutations that often result in cancer.

So, now that you know some of the benefits to smiling, hopefully you're thinking about smiling more in your everyday life. But what if you don't feel confident with your teeth? How can you grin more if you don't think it's attractive or beautiful?

Fortunately, these benefits still apply when you smile, even if you aren't as confident with the way your teeth look. You can also rest assured knowing there are ways to become more confident.

Consider a Smile Makeover

In today's world of dental advancements, there are plenty of cosmetic procedures that can help improve the look of your smile. A smile makeover can be as simple as whitening your teeth, or it can be as extensive as a full mouth makeover. The right kind of makeover for you really depends on the results you want to achieve and the current condition of your teeth.

If you think you might benefit from a smile makeover, you'll definitely want to talk with your dentist first. He or she can help you decide what treatment is right for your teeth. Typically, you'll be able to look at some before and after photos during this initial consultation appointment. You'll also discuss all of your options and make a decision about which direction you want to take. A smile can help every aspect of your life, so don't hesitate to start smiling today.

Friday, May 19, 2017

Porcelain veneers are often the last hope for someone who has
severely damaged teeth and has exhausted all other dental options.
Dental technicians create them from impressions of a patient's natural
teeth that were taken by a cosmetic dentist. Porcelain replacements are
then crafted and fitted over teeth that are thought to be beyond any
other type of dental repair, creating a beautiful new smile.

Do you think this option is right for you? Let's evaluate who makes a good candidate for this treatment.

1. Stained Teeth

Veneers
can be a lifesaver if you have stains and discoloration. If your teeth
are so far damaged that regular bleaching or laser whitening are no
longer options, or they did not help you to achieve the results you
desired, these are an excellent alternative. Because they are shaped and
shaded to match the surrounding teeth, they are just as natural in
appearance as your originals.

2. Misaligned Teeth

If you are
dealing with misaligned or uneven teeth, you probably feel quite
embarrassed every time you are asked to smile. This can lead to low
self-esteem and avoidance of social situations where others would see
your mouth up close. Why hide yourself? If regular orthodontic work such
as braces or retainers did not work for you in the past, ask your
cosmetic dentist if these porcelain alternatives can balance out your
pearly whites.

3. Chipped Teeth

Veneers work very well on
people with cracked or chipped teeth. Not only do they offer the
cosmetic advantage of supplementing the missing portion of the tooth and
making it look much better, but the hard coating can protect the
already-weakened tooth, preventing further damage.

4. Spreading Teeth

Over
their lives, some people may be susceptible to embarrassing spacing
between teeth that tend to grow apart. These awkward gaps are usually
treated with invasive surgical procedures such as dental implants, but
having porcelain veneers placed over your natural teeth can create a
similar look without the excess pain or recovery time.

Remember,
however, that since these porcelain options are bonded to the natural
teeth, they must only be used when there is no other alternative. After
all, the preparation for bonding can permanently damage your given
teeth, so the treatment should only be used as a last resort.

However,
for those that have the need for the treatment, it can be a godsend.
Imagine living years of your life afraid of opening your mouth and then
having the beautiful smile of a cover model overnight! Ask your dentist
if porcelain veneers are the right option for your dental problems.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Are you experiencing a bad toothache and need to find dentists in your area? Finding one is easy when you know where to look, and there are a number of methods people resort to when searching for dentists. There's the old school method of looking through the phone book or asking a friend for a referral; then there are newer methods like Internet reviews and web searches. Whichever method you choose, this article has got you covered.

Recommendations and Referrals

Chances are you know someone who regularly sees a dentist, so perhaps the best referral can come from them. Just ask them about who they see, what their experiences are like, and if they are happy with the work being done. Referrals and recommendations are two of the most efficient ways to find new dentists in your area, so don't be afraid to ask around. Additionally, make sure you seek out multiple opinions before deciding on anything.

Internet Searching and Online Reviews

Back in the old days, we used to resort to the Yellow Pages or some other clunky book to find anything. Fortunately, we don't have to do that anymore thanks to the Internet. The Internet is chock full of reviews, advertisements, and all sorts of helpful tools that weren't around years ago; and yes, there's even an online Yellow Pages. So take advantage of this, and who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite doctor without having to leave your desk. But beware of putting a lot of real estate into online reviews: just like with recommendations, you should always seek multiple opinions before setting any appointments.

Narrowing Your Choices

Now that you've completed your research, it's time to narrow your choices. But there's one more thing you need to do: make appointments. Some dentists may call your initial meeting a "free consultation," while others may call it an "intake interview." Regardless of what anyone calls your first meeting, this is your opportunity to meet face-to-face with your new doctor. Think about the questions you want to ask. Are you open on weekends? How do you deal with emergencies? Will you accept my insurance? Only you know which answers will suffice as proper, so it's good to think about them now before you go in.

Observe, Evaluate, and Report

Make a mental note as to how the receptionist greeted you, look around the office, and conduct a mental inspection. Is it clean? Were you greeted with a smile? Do you notice any strange looking machines? If so, feel free to ask what they are and what they are used for. Believe me, you don't want your wisdom teeth pulled the old-school way.

Bring a list of questions with you. Dentists love to talk about their new technologies, so make sure to ask about their equipment. Ask for testimonials as well, and don't be afraid to ask them about who takes care of their teeth. Trust me, dentists, unlike say tattoo artists, do not work or practice on themselves.

Your own personal report is going to have the final say. At the end of the day, if you feel comfortable with your visit, you liked what heard at the interview, and you like the doctor, chances are you've found a good match.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Chipped, broken, or missing teeth can be terribly embarrassing for people. Accidents can happen in the flash of an eye. One moment you are riding your bike down the street, and the next thing you know you are on the ground. You hit a pothole and knocked one of your teeth out as you flipped over the handlebars. Don't let an accident take away your beautiful smile! Cosmetic dentistry is very common, and it can fix a number of oral problems that can make smiling embarrassing. Let's explore some common procedures that oral health professionals are adept at performing.

Whitening Procedures Really Make You Sparkle

Your smile says a lot about you. The more vibrant and white your teeth are, the more youthful and vital you seem. According to polls conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry a whopping 99.7 percent of people surveyed said they believed a good smile to be a social asset, and 96 percent said that an attractive one was something they looked for in partners of the opposite sex. Whitening procedures could do a lot to improve your life. There are two main types of procedures, in-office, and over the counter products. In-office procedures tend to be safer even though the chemicals used are a lot stronger. It is safer because in an office your gums and surrounding tissues are protected from the chemicals. Whitening generally consists of two or three office visits for the full effect to be achieved. Usually, bleach compounds are used to achieve the dazzling whitening look.

Don't Fret Over Missing Teeth Get Implants

Having a missing tooth can be terribly uncomfortable for a person. There is no reason to fret! Cosmetic dentistry has become very adept at inserting implants into needy mouths. The methods are completely safe and extremely effective. Implants also stimulate natural bone growth in the jaw at the site of the missing tooth. First, a small post is inserted in the jaw where the root used to be. This post will now act as the root and the implant will be connected to it. Next, a replacement tooth will be shaped and colored to match the surrounding teeth in your mouth. Finally, the implant is attached to the root, and a few touch-ups are done to make it blend in. No one will ever notice that you have an implant. They look and feel like the real deal!

Say Goodbye to Metal and Hello to Artificial Fillings

Gone are the days where oral professionals have to rely on heavy metals to fill spots of decay. Not only do these metals look unnatural, but also they take more time to fit and place in addition to being heavier. Cosmetic dentistry has made great strides in developing artificial fillings that are lightweight and look natural. These compounds can be fitted and placed in under twenty minutes.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Gingivitis is an early form of
gum disease and is characterized by swollen gums that may bleed when you
brush or floss. It is caused by bacteria building up along the gum line
as these bacteria produce toxins that gradually inflame and infect the
gums. At this stage, gum disease is quite easy to treat and is
completely reversible. However some of the symptoms of gingivitis are
quite easy to ignore, and gingivitis is also sometimes called a silent
disease. If you notice any symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, or
perhaps an unpleasant taste or bad breath then you should contact a
periodontist as soon as possible.

How Is Gingivitis Diagnosed and Treated?

A
periodontist will gently examine your teeth and gums and may carry out
the various diagnostic tests to evaluate the extent of the bacterial
infection. These tests may include digital dental x-rays that show how
far the disease has progressed and whether it has affected the bone
surrounding your teeth, and he may gently probe your gums using a
special instrument.

Probing is done to determine the depth of any
pockets that may have formed in between your teeth and gums. These
pockets, called periodontal pockets develop as a result of the gums
pulling away from the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of any
pockets is between 1 mm and 3 mm, but where there are signs of gum
disease, these pockets can be far deeper and larger.

After your
examination, suitable treatments can be recommended. Often the early
stages of gum disease can be simply treated with a professional dental
cleaning or with scaling and root planing. This helps remove infection
from any gum pockets, enabling the gums to heal more easily. It's
important that any treatment is backed up with good oral care at home as
unless you thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, the problem will recur
and worsen.

What about Reversing Periodontitis?

Periodontitis
or advanced gum disease cannot generally be reversed as the condition
is often chronic. Treatment will focus on removing as much of the
bacterial infection is possible and is likely to be ongoing to get the
disease under control. It may be necessary to use a combination of non
surgical and surgical treatments to help restore gum health. Non
surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing can be useful in
getting rid of quite a bit of the infection, but sometimes surgical
treatment such as flap surgery is necessary to obtain greater access
into deeper periodontal pockets.

Periodontal disease can also
cause quite substantial destruction, affecting the gum tissue and the
bone surrounding teeth. In this case these tissues can sometimes be
repaired or regenerated through the use of sophisticated grafting
techniques.

Monday, May 1, 2017

Teeth stains can be caused by food, dark drinks, or tobacco. You can prevent the stains by avoiding food and drink that stain teeth or by brushing your teeth immediately after eating. In this Oral Care Tip, learn about the most efficient teeth whitening procedures.